Empowering communities: Allkin Singapore inspires youths to give back

In a fast-paced world with societal divides, Allkin Singapore (Allkin) is creating opportunities to bring people together. Through "Project Giveback," Allkin engages youths aged 15 to 21 in meaningful volunteer activities that bridge generational gaps, reduce at-risk behaviours, and empower participants to make positive contributions. The initiative is a key part of Club Infinity, Allkin’s membership-based youth development platform, and follows a framework grounded in Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) and Positive Youth Development (PYD).

Alysha (bottom row, first from left) and Perlin (bottom row, second from right). Leadership in action – bringing together youths from diverse backgrounds to foster understanding, teamwork and growth.

A Vision for Community and Connection

Born from feedback collected through Allkin’s Youth Service programme, the project inspired Perlin Ong, 32, Senior Social Work Associate and a programme leader at Allkin, to do more than just host events. “We saw that the youth and seniors in our network could be more than just participants; they could be contributors,” says Perlin. “The potential to tap into their experiences and strengths for mutual benefit was clear.”

The project intentionally incorporates intergenerational interactions by having youths and seniors collaborate on various thematic initiatives, such as upcycling, festive celebrations, and home improvement. Through sharing stories and skills, participants are not only solving practical challenges but also learning from one another in ways that break down barriers between age groups. “What stands out is how much they can complement each other,” says Perlin. “We’re not that different after all.”

“Project Giveback encapsulates the notion of intergenerational bonding and support between youths and seniors.” Marcus Tan, Assistant Senior Social Worker from Allkin’s Senior Service, explains, “The project has uplifted the low-income and vulnerable seniors by enhancing their physical home environment to be a better place to live in, enabling them to have a better sense of belonging.

The youth volunteers have put great effort and commitment into sprucing up the seniors’ living environment, demonstrating various skills and abilities. For example, some youths were able to fix up furniture quickly, while some who are more extroverted managed to engage the seniors. There were several youth connectors who even managed to garner informal support from their friends and classmates to help out in cleaning up the seniors’ homes.”

Building Skills and Confidence Through Giving Back

The impact of Project Giveback on the participating youths has been profound. Through roles in planning and executing activities, youths have developed stronger problem-solving skills, leadership qualities, and empathy. Muhammad Ayzad Danny Bin Anuar, 17, a participant who was unsure in leadership, found that his confidence grew significantly after taking on responsibilities during events. “The seniors shared their life experiences with us, which in turn motivated me and other participants, I’m sure,” he shares.

Ayzad taking centre stage as the emcee for a Hari Raya celebration, bringing the spirit of togetherness and joy to life.

The programme’s hands-on experiences during project execution help participants adapt to challenges on the ground. For example, youths have navigated language barriers while engaging with seniors or improvised activities to maintain a relaxed pace during events. These experiences not only teach resilience but also foster a deeper understanding of community needs.

Nurul Alysha, 19, another youth involved in the programme, shared how interacting with seniors reshaped her perspective on patience and empathy. “It made me realise that repeated questions from seniors aren’t meant to frustrate us—they’re just seeking connection and reassurance.

Mr Lim, a senior who benefitted from the Home Improvement Project, shares his experience, “The Home Improvement Project has greatly enhanced my living conditions. Previously, my house had minimal furnishings and due to my limited mobility, I struggled to unpack my belongings even after moving in some time ago. Now, with the essentials in place, the house feels comfortable. It finally resembles a true home, and I feel a significant lift in my mood as I appreciate the brightness and airiness of the space. I was also able to have conversations with the youths and shared with them about my experiences as a seaman. Overall, I feel that my well-being has improved considerably through these changes brought to my home.”

Narrative and Therapeutic Elements

One of Project Giveback’s unique aspects is its emphasis on storytelling and narrative-building as a therapeutic tool. Youths and seniors come from diverse backgrounds, each with a unique story that adds richness to the group dynamic. “Bringing these stories together shows us that we can learn from one another, and it often reveals that we share more in common than we initially thought,” says Perlin.

Ayzad and his teammates at IKEA, focused and excited, selecting the perfect pieces for the Home Improvement Project.

Sharing stories has not only strengthened bonds but also motivated participants to continue returning as youth leaders in subsequent projects. The ongoing involvement of past participants demonstrates the programme’s lasting impact on fostering a culture of giving and mutual support.

Scaling Impact with the Support of NYC

The National Youth Council (NYC) has been instrumental in Project Giveback’s growth, providing the financial resources needed to organise events and expand the project's reach, via the National Youth Fund (NYF). With NYF's support, Allkin has been able to offer specialised workshops, cover event costs, and leverage publicity channels to connect with more participants.

Ayzad and his teammates, hard at work assembling furniture at the beneficiary’s home, guided by his leadership and teamwork. Together, they are making a meaningful impact one piece at a time.

"NYF's funding has allowed us to enhance the programme’s impact, offering more opportunities for meaningful engagement and mentorship," says Perlin. “Their support was about reaching the community and giving our participants a platform to grow.”

Looking ahead, Allkin aims to build on this foundation by organising more events, increasing visibility, and expanding partnerships to ensure that Project Giveback continues to grow sustainably. By equipping youths with the skills and opportunities to make a difference, Allkin is cultivating a new generation of empathetic leaders who understand the power of community.